What mission scenarios do you offer?

We fly Rendezvous with Comet Halley, Return to the Moon, and Voyage to Mars. For more information please visit our Mission Page. (Encounter Earth is currently being updated. It may return for the 09-10 school year.)

For younger children we offer a Mini-Discovery Mission and a Micro-Comet Mission. For more information please see our Micronaut Program Page.

What age do you need to be to participate in a mission?

A 5th grade reading level is required to participate in the Comet, Mars and Earth missions. For grades K-4 we have a Mini-Discovery Mission available.

How many students/people are required to fly a mission?

Missions are group events. You need a minimum of 19 people, a maximum of 34 people. For a mini mission you need a minimum of 10 people, a maximum of 18 people.

Can anyone fly a mission?

Yes, as long as your group contains the appropriate number of people. We fly missions for everyone from kindergartners to senior citizens.

Are there specific start times for missions?

No. We can tailor to your start time according to your availability.

Are you open to the public? May I bring my family?

The lobby is open from 8am - 5pm. We have display cases for everyone to see. There is no charge to see the displays. Mission control and simulator are not open to the general public.

Do you have anything for individuals to do?

Our Summer Galaxy Quest Camps are based on individual enrollment. Our other programs are geared toward groups.

How long is a mission or EVA?

A mission or a corresponding EVA is 2 hours long. A mini mission or a corresponding EVA is 1 hour long.

What is an EVA?

An EVA is an Extra Venue Activity. See our EVA Page for more information.

What is a crew manifest? How do I fill out the crew manifest?

To help you decide how your students should be placed, first read our Team Descriptions for information about each team. Choose the Team Descriptions that matches your mission (i.e. Mars, Comet, Moon). Then read How to Match Student Abilities for a description of skills needed for each station. This last form will help you place your students at stations that best match their skills. All of these forms are located on our Mission Page. If you still have questions feel free to Contact Us.

Where is the Challenger Center?

Please see our Directions Page.

Where do I park?

Please see our Parking Page.

What are the normal business hours?

Our normal business hours are Monday-Friday 8am-5pm.

Is the Challenger Center open on weekends?

Normally we are closed on weekends. However special arrangements can be made for Saturdays. We will need 60 days notice for an event. We apologize for the length of time needed for notice, but we must secure staff. We are closed on Sundays.

Do you offer evening activities?

Normally we close at 5pm Monday-Friday. However, special arrangements can be made. We need six weeks notice in order to secure staff.

How can I pay? And when can I pay?

We accept cash, checks, Visa and Mastercard. You may pay ahead of time or on the day of your scheduled event.

What is your refund/cancellation policy? Can I reschedule?

If the programs are cancelled on or up to 90 days before the scheduled date the canceling party is responsible for 25-100% of the program cost. You may opt to reschedule in lieu of a refund.

Do you have a gift shop?

We do not have a gift shop.

Are there any soda or snack machines located in the center?

No, but snack machines are across the street on the 2nd floor of the
Administration building. We do have water fountains.

Where can my class eat lunch? Is there a lunchroom at the Challenger Center?

We do not have a lunchroom in our building. There is a lunch room across the street in the Administration building on the 2nd floor. We now have outside patio tables available. We can seat up to 65 people. Groups may also take advantage of the cafeteria in the UTC University Center. They have several restaurants from which to choose. Visit their website for more information: http://www.campusdish.com/en-us/CSS/UnivTennChat

How long has the UTC Challenger Center been in operation?

We opened on November 1994 and were the 25th center to open. There are more than 50 Challenger Centers across the United States. Are you wondering if there is a Challenger Center near you? Visit the headquarters website: www.challenger.org/

Is there another Challenger Center in Tennessee?

No.

How many missions does this center fly in one year?

In a typical year, we will fly 250-300 missions.

How is the Challenger Center funded?

The Challenger Center's funding comes from selling our programming, grants, UTC and donations.

Are you a part of UTC?

Yes, we are a part of the College of Health, Education and Professional Studies.

Do you take donations?

Yes, we take donations. Our financial contributors are a major factor in our success. If you would like to make a donation, please send it to the following address:

UTC Challenger Center

Department 6406

615 McCallie Avenue

Chattanooga, TN 37403

Should you desire more information, you may contact Tom Patty at 423.425.4126.

Are the Flight Directors real Astronauts?

No, but they would love to be! All of the Flight Directors are professional educators with advanced degrees. They all have classroom experience.

What else can I do in Chattanooga while I am visiting?

For more information visit: http://www.chattanoogafun.com/

Questions? Contact us at 423.425.4126